Clubman Debuts on the Streets of Geneva

Billy Mar 8th, 2007 Link

Now that is interesting LOL I’ll put the feelers out at work and see if anyone knows anything – very odd though!

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SB Mar 8th, 2007 Link

“Just Teasing: LOL

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Joe Mar 8th, 2007 Link

Nifty.

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Wings Mar 8th, 2007 Link

That had to be an ‘inside job’ but it was fun to see the real thing rather than photoshopped images.

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gmini Mar 8th, 2007 Link

Good to see the shape rolling down the street from various angles. In urban situation.

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GoMiniGo Mar 8th, 2007 Link

single exhaust pipe….non S model, which brings up a question. There is going to be a non-S and S versions of the Clubman, right?

How about JCW version?

GMG

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Gabe Mar 8th, 2007 Link

There is going to be a non-S and S versions of the Clubman, right?

Yes – you can read more here.

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FrankInMiami Mar 8th, 2007 Link

Very cheeky! Love it! The R55 looks better from the side and back angles than the R56. The chunkier design works better on the Clubman and the absence of squished side windows and longer/taller roof lid really makes it stand out.

Still no videos or photos of the thing with the side rear door wide open.

Another 11 months and counting…

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O(=^=)O Capn Mar 8th, 2007 Link

I thought I saw two exhausts, I think it is funny how they almost stalled it in the beginning. I think this is dumb. It doesn’t show anymore than what we have already seen, the same parts are camo’d. It reminds me a little of the robot.

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FrankInMiami Mar 8th, 2007 Link

This is a video taken last year of a Clubman test mule (Possibly a Clubman S) being tested at high speed in Germany’s famous Nurburgring race circuit!

Check out the handling!:

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/videos/spyshotvideos/203140/mini_traveller.html

The R55 will be a run away success. Will it outsell the R56?

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Bridget_J Mar 8th, 2007 Link

I’m from Geneva and I recognized all the places where the Clubman went. First 20 secondes we see the Mini near the Rhone river, we can see the green lights from the “Pont de la CoulouveniÃ�’¨re” (bridge) I live 2 minutes from there ! Then we see the “Rue du RhÃ�’´ne” full of expensive watches shops and banks. And finally the Clubman is seen along the left bank of the lake !

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FrankInMiami Mar 8th, 2007 Link

Bridget, I have been to Switzerland, but have only visited Lugano (Italian side), Lucerne (German side) and basil. You have a GORGEOUS country and hope to be back some day and vist Geneva. From Lugano to Lucerne we crossed the Alps via the impressive St.Gottard tunnel.

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mb Mar 8th, 2007 Link

Ah MINI and their marketing tactics.

mb

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DanC Mar 8th, 2007 Link

what did it say on the other door, was it “stop drooling”? ;-)

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fdavid Mar 8th, 2007 Link

Nice ride. I have practically “sold” to serious prospective buyers (ie: family) to buy this model when it comes out next year. One of them was planning on buying a Toyota Highlander!! Yikes!! Hopefully she will wait and get one of these nice rides, they look like fun if you have a kid and like outdoor activities (surfing, snowboarding…) all good!!

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FrankInMiami Mar 8th, 2007 Link

Will the Clubman affect BMW X3 sales?

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Zeke Mar 8th, 2007 Link

The R55 looks better from the side and back angles than the R56. The chunkier design works better on the Clubman and the absence of squished side windows and longer/taller roof lid really makes it stand out

Agreed.

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Mustang Shelby Cobra GT500 » MINI Hits Viral Marketing Over The Head With A Clubman Mar 8th, 2007 Link

[...] Clubman Debuts on the Streets of Geneva [MotoringFile] MINI Clubman Video? [The Car Connection] [...]

nina simone Mar 8th, 2007 Link

I’m with FrankInMiami: run away success!

though, i bet X3 shoppers don’t consider MINIs.

so, — ala R56, they’ll offer S versions at kick-off, next February?

Ready!

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GZ Mar 8th, 2007 Link

Maxi Cooper

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Jim W. Mar 8th, 2007 Link

How do you pronounce it? Is it Club-MAN or Club-mun, or what? I’m just speaking the american version of english here, thank you very much.

Also anyone know why it gets the R55 moniker instead of R57?

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FrankInMiami Mar 8th, 2007 Link

R57 will be the all new 2009 MINI Convertible (based on the R56 platform) The current R52 MCC and MCSC Tritec powered cabrios will be built until 2008.

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minimalist Mar 8th, 2007 Link

can anyone confirm what appears in previous spy shots and this video that clubman has assymetric rear lights i.e one fog and one reversing light as well as assymetric side doors

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FrankInMiami Mar 8th, 2007 Link

The Clubman will have rear “barn” doors just like the original. Each door will have its own wiper/washer. This and the passenger side only rear “suicide” door will set it apart from the R56 2 door coupe.

I predict this thing will have a huge front to back glass sunroof and superb rear passenger leg room. All black with tints….MINI LIMO!

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Mr. Miagawi Mar 8th, 2007 Link

I love the Mini, but the Clubman seems more station wagon to me, less sports car-y.

I’ll give it time to grow on me. That’s just my initial impression after watching the video.

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FrankInMiami Mar 8th, 2007 Link

Station wagons can be fun.

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Joe Mar 8th, 2007 Link

Look at a dodge magnum, its a station wagon, but it’s hoss. Granted, I’ve never drove one, but those are still sexy.

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Jake Mar 8th, 2007 Link

The “S” version will be the one I want when it is finally available. Enough leg room in the back for my growing little-guy. In the meantime, I take delivery of a Santa Fe GLS AWD (the loaded version up here in Canada). It is no X3, but will more than do the job for a lot less $$$. The Clubman will be my personal daily driver with enough room to carry my crew, should the need arise.

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Markus Mar 9th, 2007 Link

on youtube you can find another video where you better can see what´s drawn on the driver´s side…

Stop staring at me

greets Markus

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Ted Mar 9th, 2007 Link

How about a panel edition of the Clubman? Similar to the recent Chevy HHR panel version.

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MotoringFile » Archive » More of the Clubman’s Secret Geneva Debut Mar 9th, 2007 Link

[...] As seen on MF yesterday, MINI sent around a camoflauged 2008 Clubman through the streets of Geneva in hopes of getting some viral publicity for the new car. Mission accomplished. [...]